3 new bird species found in southern Turkey

By Salim Tas

HATAY, Turkey (AA) – Three new bird species have been found in a protected area of Turkey's Hatay province this year.

With its natural beauties, the Milleyha wetland area of Samandag district provides a natural habitat to migratory birds in the country's south.

The wetland area hosts more than 280 bird species, including Streak-throated swallow, Dunn's lark, and Egyptian nightjar that were spotted for the first time in the area.

Misel Atik, head of Samandag Environmental Protection and Tourism Association, told Anadolu Agency the area is of great importance since it attracts many rare bird species.

Emin Yogurtcuoglu, a birds observer, stated that the Milleyha area is one of Turkey's most important wetlands.

“Streak-throated swallow came from India, Dunn's lark came from the Arabian Peninsula while Egyptian nightjar stopped here while on its way to the Egyptian deserts. This is an indispensable stopover for all birds,” he added.

Mentioning that there are 10,800 different bird species in the world, Yogurtcuoglu said out of a total 490 bird species registered in Turkey, 283 are registered in Milleyha.

The wetland area would host more bird species if it is protected from human interference, he added.